Sigani

A nation of dwarves and hell-bred (demon-tainted) orcs living deep in the NW portion of the mountains surrounding the Nocthian Caldera. They have one significant settlement inside the Caldera. Suspicious of outsiders, they are starting to warm up after positive contacts with Half Measures and the destruction of the Black Tree in 251 AC.

Demographics

The Sigani number about 25,000, with about 70% orcs and 30% dwarves. Only about 8,000 of those live outside the mountain, dominantly orcs.

History

The Sigani are a blend of the original dwarven inhabitants of the Sunken City, sister to Hammerhead, and the invading orcs of the Army of Chaos. During the Cataclysm War, traitors allowed the Army inside the lower gates, leading to the dwarves retreating deep into the ancient mine tunnels and the orcs occupying the upper levels. The disruption of the Cataclysm sparked a rebellion among the orcs, who drove out (or killed) their demon-worshipping leaders. Neither side really wanted to go outside, but supplies were scarse. About 150 years ago, the two sides reconciled and united in an attempt to not starve.

Culture

Sigani culture is notable for several factors.

• They are extremely suspicious of outsiders, in large measure due to meddling from the Black Tree. Only those few explicitly permitted by the Council can go past the outer walls of the Sigani Gatetown, and even fewer can enter into the tunnels themselves.
• They are highly mechanically-inclined, but more clockwork than magitech. They have developed a workable self-propelled cart and employ mechanical assistance with almost everything they do.
• The dwarves do not wear beards, and many of both races wear their hair in mohawks or other "punk" fashions, often dyed bright colors. Piercings and body jewelry are common.
• Internally, they use a form of scrip stamped on iron strips rather than precious metals. They reserve precious metals for trade with outsiders.